Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Scalpel \Scal"pel\ (sk[a^]l"p[e^]l), n. [L. scalpellum, dim. of
   scalprum a knife, akin to scalpere to cut, carve, scrape: cf.
   F. scalpel.] (Surg.)
   A small knife with a thin, keen blade, -- used by surgeons,
   and in dissecting.

Source : WordNet®

scalpel
     n : a thin straight surgical knife used in dissection and
         surgery